Munro · Glen Coe & Lochaber
Na Gruagaichean
Na Gruagaichean (1054m) — "the maidens" — is the twin-topped Munro at the eastern end of the Mamores horseshoe above Kinlochleven. The South-West Top is the Munro proper; the North-East Top is a slightly lower subsidiary. The connecting ridge between them is the technical interest of the hill — a narrow rocky crest with a short scrambling step. Almost always tackled together with Binnein Mòr, which it directly faces across the deep Bealach a' Chumhainn.
Quick facts
- Height
- 1054.3m/ 3459ft
- Prominence
- 97 m
- Distance
- ~18 km
- Ascent
- ~928 m
- Time
- 6–9 hrs
- Grid ref
- NN203652
- Parking
- NN187622
- Nearest city
- Fort William· 13km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
Height and prominence cross-checked against the Database of British and Irish Hills (CC BY).
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Standard route
Estate track 30% · Open hillside 35% · Rocky summit ridge 35%
The usual line is from Mamore Lodge above Kinlochleven. Take the West Highland Way and the high stalkers' path north-east to the head of Coire na Bà, then climb the well-built path onto the south ridge of Na Gruagaichean and the South-West Top. Traverse the narrow crest to the North-East Top and on to the deep Bealach a' Chumhainn, then climb the south ridge of Binnein Mòr. Around 16km with 1300m of ascent for the pair.
Terrain
The Mamore Lodge access road is private — park in the public area at Kinlochleven and walk up. The high stalkers' path along the south flank of the Mamores is one of the finest in the country, contouring at around 600m. The summit ridge between the two tops of Na Gruagaichean is narrow with a short awkward rocky step where a downclimb of about 4m is required. The drop to the bealach for Binnein Mòr is steep loose scree.
In winter
A serious Mamores winter ridge. The narrow connection between the two summits requires care under snow — the rocky step can become a true winter scramble. Cornicing on both sides of the crest is consistent. The Bealach a' Chumhainn is deep and avalanche-prone after westerly loading. The Kinlochleven approach is sheltered and a useful retreat option. SAIS Lochaber applies; phone signal absent above 750m.
This hill is in the Lochaber SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow2h 17m
- Edinburgh3h 58m
OS maps: OS Landranger 41
Mobile signal: No reception above 750m in the Mamores. Kinlochleven offers the best coverage for the southern approaches. Download Landranger 41 before setting off.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 06:34
- Sunset
- 20:02
- Civil dawn
- 05:55
- Civil dusk
- 20:41
NOAA Solar Calculator · 7 September 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Na Gruagaichean.
Around Na Gruagaichean on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Getting there: Fort William station
Ben Nevis, Mamores, Aonachs, Knoydart ferry connection
13km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TripSCOTBase yourself in Kinlochleven
West Highland Way stop under the Mamores
4km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TasteSCOTAfter the hill: Ben Nevis Distillery
Fort William — Lochaber distillery at the foot of the Ben; long-aged Japanese-owned classics
13km from the hill
tastescot.co.uk
Na Gruagaichean — common questions
- Is Na Gruagaichean a hard climb?
- Na Gruagaichean is rated 4/5 (challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 18km with 928m of ascent and takes most walkers 6-9 hours. Ground conditions: The Mamore Lodge access road is private — park in the public area at Kinlochleven and walk up.
- How much drop does Na Gruagaichean have?
- The drop is 97m: measured from the summit of Na Gruagaichean down to the saddle joining it to higher terrain.
- Where's the parking for Na Gruagaichean?
- Park at NN187622. Double-check the grid reference on an OS map first; informal laybys here fill early in high season.
- What's the best month to climb Na Gruagaichean?
- Aim for May, June, July, August, September, October on Na Gruagaichean. In the remaining months treat it as a winter hill — full kit, solid navigation, and a look at the relevant SAIS avalanche forecast before you go.
- Can dogs go up Na Gruagaichean?
- Dogs are fine on a lead. The route passes livestock or ground-nesting bird habitat, so keep them close throughout.
- Will I get phone signal on Na Gruagaichean?
- No reception above 750m in the Mamores. Kinlochleven offers the best coverage for the southern approaches. Download Landranger 41 before setting off.
- Is Na Gruagaichean safe in winter?
- A serious Mamores winter ridge. The narrow connection between the two summits requires care under snow — the rocky step can become a true winter scramble. Cornicing on both sides of the crest is consistent. The Bealach a' Chumhainn is deep and avalanche-prone after westerly loading. The Kinlochleven approach is sheltered and a useful retreat option. SAIS Lochaber applies; phone signal absent above 750m.
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